Sweet bread is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. This classic American sweet bread recipe is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack. Using an Amikrafty bread proofing basket adds a professional touch to your bread, helping it rise beautifully and achieve a lovely shape.
Here's how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts or dried fruits (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- Prepare the Proofing Basket: Dust your Amikrafty bread proofing basket generously with flour to prevent the dough from sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. If you're using cinnamon, add it to this mixture.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense bread.
- Add Nuts or Fruits: If you're adding nuts or dried fruits, fold them into the batter gently.
- First Rise: Pour the batter into the prepared Amikrafty bread proofing basket, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Transfer to Pan: After the first rise, gently transfer the dough from the proofing basket to the greased loaf pan, maintaining the shape and structure.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Once the bread has cooled, slice and serve. This sweet bread is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.
Expanded Steps and Tips for Perfect Sweet Bread
To ensure your sweet bread turns out perfectly every time, here are some additional tips and detailed steps to follow during the preparation process:
Ingredient Preparation
- Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature. This allows it to cream properly with the sugar, creating a light and airy texture in the bread.
- Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature. Cold eggs can cause the batter to curdle.
- Milk: Whole milk works best for this recipe, providing the right amount of fat for a moist bread. However, you can use 2% or even almond milk if you prefer.
Mixing the Batter
- Creaming Butter and Sugar: The creaming process is crucial as it incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a lighter bread. Beat the butter and sugar together until they are pale and fluffy. This can take longer if you're mixing by hand, so an electric mixer is recommended.
- Incorporating Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed before adding the next. This helps maintain the emulsion and prevents the batter from separating.
- Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk: When mixing in the dry ingredients and milk, start and end with the dry ingredients. This means you add a portion of the flour mixture, then the milk, and repeat until all ingredients are combined. This technique helps to avoid overmixing, which can make the bread tough.
Using the Amikrafty Bread Proofing Basket
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Preparation: Before using your Amikrafty bread proofing basket, make sure it is well-floured. This prevents the dough from sticking and allows it to rise evenly.
- Shaping: After mixing, place the dough in the proofing basket for the first rise. The basket helps the dough maintain its shape and develop a beautiful crust.
- Transferring: When transferring the dough to the loaf pan, do so gently to preserve the shape and air pockets created during the rise.
Baking and Cooling
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on the bread as it bakes. Every oven is different, so check for doneness at around 50 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bread is ready.
- Cooling Process: Allowing the bread to cool in the pan for a short time helps it set and makes it easier to remove from the pan. Cooling completely on a wire rack is essential to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
Variations and Add-Ins
One of the joys of baking sweet bread is the opportunity to customize it with various add-ins. Here are some ideas to enhance your bread:
- Nuts: Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds add a delightful crunch.
- Dried Fruits: Raisins, cranberries, or chopped dried apricots provide bursts of sweetness and a chewy texture.
- Chocolate Chips: For a more decadent version, fold in some chocolate chips.
- Spices: Besides cinnamon, you can experiment with nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom for different flavor profiles.
Serving Suggestions
Sweet bread is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:
- Breakfast: Serve slices of sweet bread with butter, jam, or honey. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Dessert: For a more indulgent treat, drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the top. You can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Snacks: Pack slices in lunchboxes or take them along on picnics for a sweet snack on the go.
Storing Sweet Bread
Proper storage ensures your sweet bread stays fresh for longer:
- Room Temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
- Freezing: Sweet bread freezes well. Wrap the loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil or a freezer bag. It will keep for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm slices in a toaster.
Conclusion
Making classic American sweet bread is a rewarding baking project that yields delicious results. Whether you're enjoying it fresh from the oven or days later, this sweet bread is sure to please. By following these detailed steps and tips, and utilizing the Amikrafty bread proofing basket, you can create a perfect loaf every time. Happy baking!
Reading more: https://amikrafty.com/blogs/recipes/tips-for-quick-sourdough-bread-making-with-the-amikrafty-kit
